Top moments at Oakland Coliseum since Raiders return in 1995
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) The Raiders could be playing their final game at the Oakland Coliseum on Thursday night against the San Diego Chargers.
What was one of the most imposing stadiums during the Raiders first stint there from 1966-81, has been far less intimidating since the team returned in 1995. The Raiders have just a 77-94 record since coming back and have hosted just five playoff games.
Here are some of the most memorable games in Oakland since the return:
PLENTY OF PUNTS: The game between the Raiders and Chargers on Oct. 11, 1998, was far from aesthetic pleasing unless you liked punters. San Diego's Darren Bennett and Oakland's Leo Araguz combined for 27 punts, Ryan Leaf threw three interceptions, the quarterbacks completed less than 35 percent of their passes and both teams were held under 200 yards. But the Raiders somehow managed to win when Wade Wilson completed his only pass of the day - on a play called 25 Bingo Cross - to James Jett for a 68-yard score with 1:28 to play to give Oakland the 7-6 win.
GANNON'S INJURY: The Raiders earned their first playoff berth after their return in the 2000 season and beat Miami 27-0 in their first game to earn the right to host the AFC championship game. But the hopes for a Super Bowl were dashed early in the second quarter when Baltimore's Tony Siragusa drove Rich Gannon into the turf, knocking him out with an injured shoulder. The Ravens went on to win the game 16-3 and then Super Bowl.
SUPER BOWL BOUND: Two years later the Raiders got back to the AFC title game and once again hosted it. This time, Gannon stayed healthy and threw three touchdown passes to lead Oakland to a 41-24 victory over Tennessee. Zack Crockett's 7-yard run late in the fourth quarter on a play called 12 Blast sealed the win. The Raiders lost the Super Bowl and have not been back to the playoffs ever since, making that game on Jan. 19, 2003, the last of 17 playoff games played at the Coliseum.
FAVRE'S TRIBUTE: The night after his father died, Brett Favre took the field in Oakland on Dec. 22, 2003, in one of the most memorable Monday Night Football games ever. Favre threw for 311 yards and four touchdowns in the first half alone, leading the Packers to an emotional 41-7 victory.
BREAKTHROUGH WIN: The Raiders took the field against Kansas City on a rainy night Nov. 20, 2014, with an 0-10 record and 16-game losing streak. Many of the Raiders all-time greats were on hand to see Ray Guy get his Hall of Fame ring at halftime. They saw quite a game as well. But big runs by Latavius Murray gave Oakland an early lead and Derek Carr threw a go-ahead touchdown pass to James Jones with 1:42 to play. Sio Moore then sacked Alex Smith on third down on the ensuing drive but the Raiders nearly were called for a penalty when Moore and teammate Khalil Mack engaged in a lengthy celebration dance well behind the play. After Oakland got a timeout before a penalty could be called or Kansas City could exploit a nine-man defense, the Raiders got one last stop and sealed their first win of the season.
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